There is confusion concerning what theory is, how to recognize it, how to know when and if it is needed, and when it is present. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of theory via a concept analysis and to examine how and why understandings of theory may vary. Definitions of theory are examined. Definitions have two to four definitional components: theoretical structure, functions, elements, and relationship of theory to research. The use of theory in textiles and clothing is discussed including theory for practice and creative activity. When using the identified functions of theory as a guide, theory can be identified as present in most applications within the textiles and clothing field, even when theories are not named or discussed.
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